Willie O'Ree

Comments (0)

Transcript of Willie O'Ree

Willie O'ReeBy: Julie Williams

Impact on SocietySince Wilie O'Ree was the first colored person in the NHL, he marked the beginning for other colored individuals to have the courage to do it. Impact on Society 2Willie O'ReeBy: Julie WilliamsBirthday: October 15, 1935Age: 78Occupation: Ice Hockey Player (currently retired)Who Is He?

Willie O'Ree was the first black person to play in the NHL. He marked the start for blacks to play in the NHL.He taught others to believe in their dreams. Because at that time people would be very rude to black people. And, O' Ree gave people the courage to not be afraid of what other think or what they say about you.Willie O'Ree made the point that black people are just as good as white people.When he was drafted into the NHL, it was the time of much racism. So, even though he was being treated harshly, he stayed, because he said that he worked hard to achieve his dream. Quote Q: Mr. O'Ree, may I ask, when you were growing up, did anyone ever say to you, you can't play in the NHL because you're black?A: Yes. I had some people tell me that. But I set my goal. I just worked hard, hoping, you know, one day I get that opportunity. AnalyzeWhen O'Ree says this, he shows his determination. Many people lack determination, because of what others think. But O'Ree shows people that its O.K. to have dreams. And if you work hard enough, you can make them come true. Quote2Fans would yell, 'Go back to the South,' and 'How come you're not picking cotton.' Things like that didn't bother me. I just wanted to be a hockey player."-Willie O'Ree Here, O'Ree recognizes that there is racism. He tells that he is not afraid to do what he wants, no matter what the fans say. He was willing to take the abuse, just so that he can live his dream. "Icing the Stereotypes." Infoplease. Infoplease, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. <http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmhockey1.html>.Simon, Scott. "Willie O'Ree on Breaking the NHL Color Barrier." NPR. NPR, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18045575>."Willie O'Ree." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_O'Ree>.Works Cited